Issue V: Scams & COVID-19

May 7, 2020

Pandemics and other disasters can bring out the best in a society: first responders, medical personnel, everyday heroes doing their jobs or helping their neighbors. Unfortunately, pandemics and disasters also seem to bring out society’s worst: the scammers and predators who see the disruption as an opportunity to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable. COVID-19 is no exception: modern snake-oil salesmen have been hawking hundreds of products claiming to “prevent,” “treat,” or “cure” the novel coronavirus. Meanwhile, financial fraudsters have been offering “help” obtaining stimulus payments and other types of relief. It turns out the virus isn’t the only thing we need to protect ourselves from.

FAQs on COVID-19 Scams

Q. Are there any products that prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19?

A. Short answer: no. To find out how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, check out the CDC’s website.

There are no pills, supplements, oils, or drinks that you can take to prevent coronavirus. Anyone who says so is a scammer. Check the CDC guidelines on the real prevention mechanisms. And, if you see anyone trying to sell products claiming to prevent or treat the virus, report them (see how below).

Q. How can I tell if a job posting is a scam?

There are going to be more and more scammers trying to trick people into signing up for “jobs” that they can do during the COVID-19 pandemic. The same thing happened during the 2008 financial crisis, when millions of people were out of work.

Here are some signs of a job scam:

If you have to pay money to get the job.

If you have to supply your bank account information or credit card number.

If they ask for your social security number before you have a real job offer.

If they send you a check that you’re told to deposit for “advance wages” or “errands.”

If the ad is for “previously undisclosed” federal jobs.

If the company supposedly hiring you has never heard of the job placement service.

You are getting texts, emails, and phone calls from the “IRS” or a government agency. The IRS will not call, email, or text you.

Someone claims they can help you get the money for a fee.

The person contacting you claims the IRS “overpaid” you and asks you to send some money back.

Encounter any of those? Cut off contact and report it to the IRS.

Q. What should I do if I see any of these kinds of scams?

A. Report it to the FTC. Also, let us know!

The Federal Trade Commission takes consumer complaints of fraud and unfair or deceptive business practices. So far, the FTC and FDA have sent dozens of warning letters to companies that were advertising products claiming to prevent or cure COVID-19.

In addition, the Center along with the Consumer Advocacy and Protection Society (CAPS) have been scam hunting and collecting information for the FTC, the California Attorney General’s Office, and other public enforcement agencies. If you see a scam, let us know at consumer@law.berkeley.edu.